Marcus' Legos

Marcus has been building a lot lately and when he asked for a photo yesterday I had to oblige. His creations are more and more interesting to me. It's wonderful to see what he'll come up with next.

My Birthday

This year for my birthday the kids and Steve took down the painting of Marcus in the family room. They took it to be framed but didn't tell me. So I was cleaning the floor on Friday morning and I looked up and it was gone. I thought at first it had fallen off the wall or that Marcus had taken it to his room, but I couldn't find it anywhere. I couldn't imagine someone would break in and steal just that but I called Steve anyway. He confirmed my suspicions but I still had a really fun weekend lamenting the fact that we had been "robbed" and hearing the kids all snicker.
I got some really fun things this year, what a wonderful birthday and I just feel so grateful!!!!!! On my birthday I did a fun birthday singing time and then I made a peach pie in the afternoon. Marcus was disappointed because you can't frost a pie, but luckily that's when the Jones' showed up with a chocolate cake and the day was saved. We had dinner at Steve's sisters and that was really nice too. I still can't believe i'm halfway to 70.

Pack Meeting

The boys were asked to bring something they collect this month. Neil said right away that he wanted to bring his coin collection. I knew that he collected quarters, but I thought that was because Grandma collected them for him. Then he started pulling out penny books and nickel books and a jar of coins that he had that were really special to him. I had no idea that he REALLY collected coins.
So, being brave, I ventured down to Las Vegas to a coin shop right by the airport and Sunset park and picked up cardboard coin holders and sheet protectors so he could organize all his loose coins. I set them all out on his desk to surprise him when he came home from school.
He was so excited. He set right to work putting the coins in, stapling the holder shut and organizing them in the binder. Sometimes I wish that I paid more attention. We could have done this a long time ago.

No Sense of Self Preservation

Steve says she has a real strong sense of self preservation and that she's smart enough to stay safe. I disagree. I think she loves the thrill, has no sense of danger and has no idea about the consequences of gravity.
These photos were taken overlooking the Bingham Canyon Mine (Kennecott Copper) the worlds largest open pit mine, and we're about 3/4 of a mile up.

Dahlia loves Sammy

We have watched Sammy on and off throughout the summer. Dahlia absolutely loves having him here and Carpe likes him too. She was so glad every time he came to visit and she spent a lot of time hugging him and following him around the house. She misses him so much!

Steve's Birthday

This year for Steve's birthday:
Marcus picked: Skittles, pens, screwdrivers, and Diet Mountain Dew
Neil Picked: paper clips, pens, post it tabs and erasers that are shaped like keyboard keys
Dahlia picked: a stuffed shark, and a stuffed bear to go with the white one she got Dad for Fathers Day

These are the cards they picked - 50 cents each!!! So of course they could choose what they like. Dahlia's is the best (in my opinion) but they are all really good selections.

Marcus taped his gifts into a bag and he is writing the card.

Dahlia wrapping her gifts and Neil wrapping his.

As a tradition, on our birthday's, we take the children to the dollar store. They can choose whatever they wish and I don't have to say no, or tell them Dad doesn't need it or it's too expensive. It doesn't matter what they pick, it can be anything and Dad knows he'll love it because it was inexpensive. I usually let them pick two or three things. Then they come home and wrap them up. I think this year the kids outdid themselves picking things for Steve's birthday. The card that Dahlia selected for him is priceless. I can't wait for Steve to open them.

After the gifts were wrapped the boys made clues for a treasure hunt and taped them around the house. Steve has to go on the hunt to find his gifts. I can't wait!!!!!

This Is My Daughter

As a little girl, maybe not so little, whenever I was upset about something I would go to my room and get out my big soft black blanket. I would put on my grandmothers old high heeled shoes, they were clear vinyl with rhinestones, cover myself with the blanket, and crawl out to wherever the family was. This way they would all be sure to know that I was upset, or needed attention.

Without ever telling my kids about these times all three of them have put blankets over their heads and paraded around the house.

Yesterday Steve's sister's family came over and Dahlia came marching into the living room covered in her blanket. She giggled and laughed and had all the attention in the room. She is definately my daughter.